I’ve seen several conflicting reports this year out of Nigeria regarding Boko Haram. The government seems to issue an occasional “we’re not getting our butts kicked by BH” statement, and yet there have been protests by wives and mothers of soldiers who are worried that too many soldiers come back dead.

“Boko Haram commit the same massacres as ISIS, but they are an immature organisation, basically a ‘blood cult’ made up of children.”

Perry agreed with NSN’s bleak judgement on the situation for Maiduguri, which he calls “in many ways the centre of Boko Haram - their ‘London.’” He added, “if they manage to take Maiduguri it will be a major coup, and an almighty bloodbath.”

Army spokesman Timothy Antigha said in a statement that the Islamists launched a “massive” attack on the town of Konduga, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Maiduguri, at 0430 GMT Friday.
“After about three hours of fierce fighting, Nigerian troops routed the Boko Haram fighting force of over 100 terrorists,” he said, adding that the insurgents suffered heavy casualties.